Julianne is a talented midwife. But she knows that she can't save this one. The midwife before her has practically bled the woman to death but it's her name that goes down in the muck now as this was nobility.

Branded for a crime she didn't commit and sent to prison can Julianne survive?

She trades her life to go to the colony for French inmates in the New World. Her brother is over there and she hopes she can find him.

What she didn't count on was that she's treated like livestock. Forced to wed and consummate the marriage to a criminal she has no idea about though he seemed like the nicer of who was left to choose from, she begins her journey.

I have read the works of Jocelyn Green that center around the Civil War and LOVED them. So I knew that I loved her writing. When this book arrived I knew that I wanted to read it and read it quickly. I was not disappointed. This book is amazing.

Travel back in time. I’d never even heard of this! Forced marriages so you could get out of jail and go colonize a new world. I personally don’t think I’d have chosen hardened criminals for this but I’m guessing the king just wanted people over there.

Anyway back to the book! Julianne is an intriguing character that you can’t help but be drawn towards. She has great strength and makes the most of her lot in life. Being a gifted midwife she can’t practice since she’s imprisoned for killing a mother. Well, she really didn’t kill her but you’ll have to read the book to find out! Then she marries a man she doesn’t know, travels across the ocean, and sleeps in the mud and rain. Such fun! But it gets better! Her brother is supposed to be in this new land. The brother she raised and loved and nurtured like a mother would. Will she ever find him?

And what about this husband? Can he be a good man or is he bound by his criminal past? Will she be able to hide the mark on her or will the world find out and make her an outcast again?

Oh guys! This is suspenseful and full of good plot twists and characters. I love the little girl she gets to mother and the complexities of her character. I love her relationship with Marc-Paul and lets not even get into her brother.

Definitely one I’m keeping on my shelf to reread! Well after it comes back from making the rounds of all my avid reader friends.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I started this book and trudged through the first half of the book. The Mark of the King is highly well written and intriguing; however, the storyline was so depressing I was unable to finish the book. If you are looking for a heavier read, you may enjoy this novel.

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green was an interesting and thought provoking read about a subject and time period I knew very little about. It involves the prison/exile French colony in Louisiana, and it delves into the conditions faced by the prisoners, locals, and soldier in ramshackle town of New Orleans. The plot line was well written and moved at the perfect pace, allowing me to dig deeper into the story and really connect with the characters. The descriptions of the settings, environment, and situations were outstanding, and I felt like I could actually picture what was happening. The characters were well developed and realistic, and I felt as if I could actually feel the emotions that Julianne experienced as she found herself first unfairly imprisoned, then married, and finally across the seas in the wilderness of Louisiana. I was drawn into her conflicts and the decisions she had to make, and I appreciated the other, more minor characters and the depth they added to the story. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Jocelyn Green's excellent books.

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Jocelyn Green's newest fiction gets an A+ from me!

I enjoy historical fiction and this book doesn't disappoint. Something I really enjoyed was the setting - a sliver of French and American history that I'd never heard of or explored. I always think it's fascinating learning something new, and it's quite enjoyable learning through the lens of a well researched and yet very readable and interesting work of fiction.

This story is full of twists and turns, heartbreaks and successes (and more heartbreaks - don't say I didn't warn you!). But I was able to see both grace and redemption through the entire story, which made even the hardest plot twists purposeful.

Jocelyn uses beautiful, vibrant language which enriches the story all the way through.

I highly recommend you pick this one up, I don't think you'll regret it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced digital copy of this book free from Baker/Bethany House Publishers and Jocelyn Green. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Honestly, I didn't care for this story.

Unfortunately, this was a DNf for me. I had a hard time getting into the story

I read very little fiction set in America during the Colonial period, as I don’t really relate to the period or the setting, and I’m not familiar with the history. My decision to read this book was based largely on positive endorsements and recommendations from friends on social media, and generally, it didn’t disappoint.

The story was good and made good use of the historical details about some little-known events. The main characters were realistic and developed although some of the villains were a little like caricatures. I did the like the way the author described environment and region. For someone who’s never been to New Orleans or near the Gulf of Mexico that was helpful. I loved the hero’s faithful little pug, and I think I warmed to him more than Julianne’s husband earlier in the book, whom I found smugly arrogant.

There were a few things I didn’t quite agree with. I understand this novel is meant to be about Grace overcoming injustice, legalism, and hatred, but I don’t think this message was always delivered accurately. For instance, when Marc-Paul Girard, a commander in the colony started questioning his strict adherence to the law, the passages that were cited related to the Old Testament Torah, not the legal codes of modern European states. Grace does not equal anarchy or licensed lawlessness, as there are just as many passages in the Bible that talk about being subject to rulers and the Law of the Land. As such, I think it’s necessary to strike a balance in Fiction.

Some incidents and details also didn’t ring true. How on earth did the hero know that the villain tried to rape his wife when he wasn’t there at the time, and none of the witnesses were present? He didn’t tell him, and she didn’t mention it from what I can recall. I also agree that some scenes did strike me as a little too melodramatic. I understand that a load of people transplanted to the wilds of Louisiana, struggling to eke out a living were going to be on the rough side, but a heavily pregnant woman being publicly flogged, to the point that it causes a miscarriage? Really? In England, even in the pre-modern period, pregnant women were usually spared the worst penalties, including capital punishment.

The ending, whilst it lined up with natural phenomena and events common to the region, did fall a little on the side of far-fetched, but it kept me reading, and the story was pretty solid and well-written overall. Although I got a copy from Netgalley, this title went on sale on Kindle a few months later, and I purchased it. I would certainly keep it on there to read again when I’m in the mood.

I requested a copy of this title to read and review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

With migration so much in the news, this was a forced migration of sorts. Set in the 1720s it is factually correct. The story is a fascinating one. France wanted French citizens to occupy Louisiana state in America. They could not find willing participants to their scheme. So they offered it as a way out for people in prison who would have ended their days in the prison. Many would have taken it as a way out of a horrible life, but what made it inhuman was not just being sent to a place which they knew nothing about, but that as soon as they were taken out of prison they were forcibly married to men also released from prison whom they only saw for a few minutes before they were forced to wed.

With such inauspicious beginnings it is surprising that any of the immigrants survived, or that the marriages lasted. Some of them did. And some did not even last the journey to the other side of the Atlantic. Conditions on board ship were primitive and harsh and life in Louisiana was worse.

The story depicted is one of survival. Sheer grit, determination against all odds, and the odds were stacked up so heavily against her that Julianne survived not just the death of her husband, the stigma of being a midwife convicted for murder and her constant fight against men who sought her downfall.

The book was a fascinating glimpse into a part of both French and American history many may not be aware of. The act of colonizing nations has brought about so much of heartache to people, though to governments intent on annexing another country for wealth and fortune, these are not things even considered by them as important. The individual stories are all heartfelt stories of which even in this short period of four years, must be so many and each one different.

She still marveled that God had taken her mark of judgment and used it as an instrument of grace.

Julianne Chevalier a midwife in France delivered babies and was in awe of life. How fragile the birth is between mother and child. Her world came crashing down when a charge in her care died. She became a marked woman and was judged guilty of murder. Sentenced to hard labor, she took the opportunity to live out her sentence in the new world by agreeing to marriage and helping with the building of New Orleans. Her arranged husband Simon is eager to win her heart, agrees to look for her brother that is serving the King of France in New Orleans.

Simon's love turns deadly and Julianne is left to trust military officer Marc-Paul Girard. Girard a man of duty and honor, takes Julianne to be his wife. It is thru Girards she has to learn to trust. Julianne becomes torn between loyalty to her brother and the trust of her husband.

I absolutely loved this historical fiction as it took a piece of history and made something lovely to experience. Contrary to what some believe about faith, it is not something you just believe but experience thru grace and trust. With contrasting characters, it revealed the integrity of true faith in the midst of conflict and despair.

A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

What an incredible story! The author had me enthralled from the beginning. The attention to detail made me feel like I was right there, first in the prison, then aboard the ship and finally in Louisiana. I could almost feel the humidity. The historical accuracy brought back the history studies of yesteryear and helped create a better understanding of that time. Secrets help create insecurities in storybook characters as they do in life. Read on to discover whether grace, forgiveness and love can change the outcome

An exceptional historical novel that tug at my heart strings more than once. What a hard time those first settlers had. I can't imagine! The author created a believable tale with fantastic characters. I hated to see this fabulous book come to an end. Job well done, Miss Green!

​From the moment I read the description of this novel, it spoke to me and I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy it. Reading the story was not a disappointment. From page one Jocelyn Green magnificently captures the attention of her readers with the intriguing storyline and interesting cast of characters. Filled with the hardships and trials of life, as well as the joyous and happy times, this powerful and thought provoking novel will imprint itself in the mind of, as well as touch the heart of its readers. I don’t generally tear up when I read, but this beautiful story brought me to tears at one point. This profound story is one that readers will not be able to put down.

I really enjoyed it--Jocelyn Green is great at historical details AND rich characters. This one is set in French Louisiana and is about a woman trying to overcome the mark on her life. It was exciting and romantic with some very hard scenes, too. Horrific but also full of redemption.

Julianne Chevalier is a midwife in Paris, falsely accused of causing the death of one of her patients, she finds her self branded and imprisoned. She chooses to go to Louisiana rather than face imprisonment, but little did she know what she would face to get there, including marrying a fellow convict.

Once they reach New Orleans Julianne loses Simon, and gains a friend in Madame Francoise St. Jean who share her faith with her and helps her adjust to her new life in Louisiana. Julianne befriends many of the woman who come over with her on the ship.

I like how this story is based on true historical events, and how John Law paid for convicts to come to Louisiana in order to help colonize the French Territory.

I like Marc-Paul Girard. He is captain of the French Army stationed in New Orleans, he recognizes Julianne because he knows her brother who was stationed in New Orleans too. He helps her find a job, and learn more about medicine, translating for her and standing up for her in times of trouble. Marc-Paul has his secrets too, and he doesn't tell her everything. He is a man of faith and reads a protestant Bible, even though good French men are Catholic. He brings home a young girl named Lily, who is his daughter, and it is difficult for her and Julianne because Lily doesn't speak French, though they finds ways to communicate.

This was a hard book to read, because of all the hardship and pain that Julianne goes through over the course of the many years that this book covers. It highlights the harsh conditions the colonists faced the precarious relationships that the French had with the various native tribes. I liked Marc-Paul and Julianne, they are resilient and truly care about the people of the colony, full of interesting characters and plot twists. This book covers the span of many years, so at times it seemed like she wasn't happy for very long before something terrible happened again. There are many surprises and a climatic ending, very good book for fans of gritty historical fiction.

Note: Some content in book may be considered PG-13.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Extravagant, determined, adventurous, courageous, darling, freedom and redemption. Julianne wants to be free - free from that mark on her neck that has her marked forever as a criminal, but GOD has her redeemed - if she is redeemed how can she be a criminal? So when the offer of taking her life sentence and trading it for going to Louisiana and start a colony there - well - she jumps on it - wouldn't you? She is forced to marry someone in order to go though - man can you imagine - When she gets to Louisiana she starts looking for her brother and is having a serious problem finding him, now the mystery begins. What happens with her and her husband? What happened to her brother? What happened to her and the soldier? What happens to her? This is such a twister of a rollercoaster ride, you are thrown around and upside down. It is a great ride you want to go on again.

In The Mark of the King, Jocelyn Green has written a masterpiece of a novel—raw and gritty, but filled with hope—set against the backdrop of the fledgling colony of Louisiana. Rich in heartbreaking detail and rife with drama, Green takes the reader to the savage frontier, where many French prisoners and soldiers were sent to build this new colony. Julianne, who was unjustly imprisoned and bears the mark of the King of France on her skin, is exiled to the colonies and lives in deplorable conditions where convicts are required to marry and bear children to help populate this new area. Fear of Indian scalpings and immoral men are everyday life for the strong and courageous Julianne, who is a remarkable heroine. However, hope shines through the heartbreaking darkness in the form of a beautifully romantic thread. A mesmerizing, breathtaking, but graphically realistic tale of a branded woman who dares to follow her dreams in the midst of dire circumstances, The Mark of the King is a novel I highly recommend.

The beautiful artwork on the cover of this book drew my attention, and the story itself was compelling and at times heart-wrenching. In the opening pages, French midwife Julianne Chevalier is attending a difficult birth, and when the mother dies, Julianne is accused of murder. The story then picks up after Julianne has been in a French prison for some time, and hears that convicts are being sent to the fledgling colony of Louisiana to settle. Since her only remaining family is a younger brother who had gone to Louisiana as a soldier some years earlier, Julianne manages to be selected to go as a colonist. To her shock, all of the potential colonists are forced to marry before they get on the ship, and she must choose a husband from among the male prisoners.

The voyage is unpleasant, to say the least, and the conditions when they arrive in Louisiana are little better. Julianne and her new husband, Simon, do their best, but Julianne seems destined for suffering and loss. Just when she and Simon find some hope for happiness, he is murdered while away from their home - while searching for Julianne's brother. The kind Captain Marc-Paul Girard tries to protect the newly widowed and newly pregnant Julianne, but even so one of the other soldiers exposes her murderer's brand and she is whipped in public. Marc-Paul makes sure Julianne is cared for while she is recovered, and convinces her to marry him so he can protect and care for her. Love grows between them, but there are also secrets and guilt that mar their relationship, especially when Julianne discovers that her brother is still alive, after Marc-Paul had told her that he'd died before the colonists had arrived in New Orleans. Is there anyone Julianne can trust, or will her mark and the secrets of the past continue to come between her and Marc-Paul?

This well-told story is a glimpse of the difficulties and injustices faced by those who first settled the area of New Orleans, and is also a story of grace and hope.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own.*

This book was phenomenal. I had never heard of Ms. Jocelyn Green before now, so I thought she was a new author. I have never been so glad to be mistaken! I cannot wait to get my hands on her other works. But first, The Mark of the King:

This novel was a perfect blend of history, faith in action, spiritual growth, realistic relationships (friends, family, romance), with a little mystery and suspense thrown in. The characters had so much depth and were challenged to be more than their circumstances or emotions. It was inspiring. It was very interesting to see how people changed based on their choices. It made me think about how we take so much for granted- even our character. What don't know what we're capable of unless we've dealt with some of these issues- famine, war, loss, etc. It gave me a greater appreciation for shades of gray, understanding how people can start down dark paths, and grew my compassion.

Ms. Green did not gloss over the hard stuff, painting everything rosy and easy to put to rights like so many do. It was downright painful to read at times and there was more than one scene that had me so affected that I had to wait a while before being able to continue. While those are not the kind of things that usually draw me to a book, it really is a testimony to how realistic the characters are and how emotionally invested you become in their lives. It's good to be so touched sometimes. Necessary even.

The story changes perspective a lot and I was impressed with how convincing each point of view was; whether it was our protagonist (25 year old female), a native child, or a man, it was believably written and so smoothly done that it didn't halt the story at all.

I loved the rich historical details. It simultaneously gave me a glimpse into history in a way I've never experienced before, and also made me aware of how little I can imagine what colonizing our country was like.

The themes of forgiveness, loving your enemy, and prayer was wonderful. They were woven into the story naturally and simply, so that the messages were powerful and convicting, and didn't seem showy, preachy or out of place.

I loved that this was from a French perspective, which is rare among the historical fiction I read. I wish I could go into particulars, but so much happens in this story, that saying anything specific would probably be a spoiler. I can't recommend this book enough.

The Mark of the King is an excellent book. I loved it! It captured my attention from the start. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading! Jocelyn Green does a great job painting a picture of what life was like in Colonel Louisiana. It was tough! I learned some interesting stuff about the settling of New Orleans & the French and Indian war. The Mark of the King is the story of one women’s determination to make the best of any situation. I liked Julianne. She is a tough lady who had her struggles and doubts. She is someone the reader can relate too. I like how she weaves historical fact and Biblical truth throughout this story. I think the reader can learn valuable truths along with the character’s.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I received this book from the publisher to review.

Again Jocelyn Green offers a unique glimpse into a slice of history.  New Orleans, LA is the primary setting of this story.  It follows the story of imprisoned and marked (tattooed) midwife Julianne Chevalier from France to the Louisiana colony.  In the early 1700s the colony grew in numbers by France sending prisoners over to populate the territory.  Most of the “prisoners” that we meet in the story are victims of circumstance and not hardened criminals.  Julianne lost her brother to New Orleans for soldiering years before.  It is a spark of hope that she will find him in the colony when she gets there.  She is forced into a marriage with Simon and we just hope she can make the best of her rotten turned to bad circumstances.  Thankfully Julianne has midwife skills which give her a way to earn a living.  Learn about the difficult living conditions of early Louisiana and the constant battles with the Native peoples.  Root for Julianne as her value is constantly challenged.